Constructor HD delayed to summer

And online multiplayer may not make it in time for day one, either.

Constructor HD has been pushed back to late summer, developer System 3 has confirmed. It had previously been due to ship later this month, following an earlier delay from January.

The extra time will help the game "realize its potential" and let the development team "implement some much [requested] features", including some new modes, a map editor, new DLC characters and "game elements that can really turn the gameplay on its head".

"The priority is to get the game improved in as many ways possible rather than just rush out a re-imaged [sic] HD version," said a message posted by System 3 on Facebook last week. "It is going to be far more than just that".

But even with the delay, online multiplayer may not make it into the game at release, the developer warns.

"The original game never had online multiplayer and we know that this is essential for today's market," it said. "Online multi player is being worked on but the game may be released without it day one and then given as an update shortly after release."

The developer says that it will "announce more in due course, including a new release date, and expand upon the additional elements that we feel will deliver a truly memorable experience."

Constructor originally launched on PC in 1997, with the HD version set to arrive simultaneously on PS4, Xbox One and Steam.